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Sunday, February 22, 2015

How To Make A Spiral Deco Mesh Wreath - DIY Spiral Deco Mesh Wreath

How To Make A Spiral Deco Mesh Wreath

Patriotic Red, White and Blue Spiral Deco Mesh Wreath

So I am going to attempt to give a quick tutorial on how I make my Spiral Deco Mesh Wreath. This is per a special request from someone that happened upon my page! I use this basic process for making all of my Spiral Wreaths that can be found on this blog. The only thing that changes would be the sizes and extras that are added to the completed wreath. But basically....the process is the same for each.

Here goes...and once again forgive me for being too wordy...I'm Cajun and that's what we do.

Supplies Used:

10" Red Deco Mesh

10" White Deco Mesh

10" Blue Deco Mesh

10" Box Wire Wreath Form

Chenille Stems

Wired Ribbon (Optional)

The first thing I always do is get my wreath form ready for action. I don't buy the pre-wired forms because they are a little more expensive. Why pay more when I can just make it myself with a plain form (which can be purchased at any Craft Store) and chenille stems.

The form is made up of 4 rings. For this tutorial I will refer to the two outer rings as a group an the two inner rings as a group.

Use the chenille stems and wrap around the perimeter of the 2 Outer Rings weaving in and out. It usually takes one for each "section" of the wreath form. I do the same thing for the 2 Inner Rings of the form.

This step is not required, however, I do this because when adding my spirals they tend to slide around the form. By doing this step, it gives them something to hold on to and they stay exactly where I want them to be.

This is what it should look like when you are done with this step.

Ok...your form is ready and now it's time to cut your mesh. I'm sure there are quicker ways to do this but this is my method from the beginning and it works for me. It is just cutting...so do what feels comfortable to you.

I am using 10" wide deco mesh. You can use the large mesh but I find the spirals are tighter and look better with this size mesh. It's a personal preference.

For this size wreath form (10" in diameter) I am going to make a total of 15 "bunches" of spirals with 3 spirals per "bunch."

Not sure what else to call them but you will see what I am talking about shortly.

Since I am using 3 different colors (red, white and blue) I will have one of each color represented in each "bunch." So that would be a total of 15 pieces cut of each color of mesh that I am using.

Roll out your deco mesh and cut them in 10" lengths.

You will be cutting across the mesh so it will still keep its natural curl to a certain extent.

I forgot to take a picture of my pile of mesh pieces but I had a total of 45 pieces of mesh cut.

15 Red

15 White

15 Blue

This is the tricky part and takes a little getting used to. I like to sit on the floor because it makes it easier for me to make the spiral bunches.

Take one cut piece of your first color and simply roll it up going with the natural curl of the mesh. Don't do it too tight because they will look weird in the end. I usually roll each of my 10" cut pieces 5 or 6 times.

Not to tight but not too loose. You will get the hang of it the more you do. If it doesn't look right...just unroll and try again. Mesh is very forgiving. Thank goodness for that!

Now, I mentioned I have one of each color per bunch. So I will do this with each color. This is the part that sitting on the floor help. I roll my red mesh, pinch it in the center and place it under my knee. I roll my white, pinch the center and place it on top of the red under my knee. I roll the blue mesh then grab the other two colors and pinch all three together. It takes getting used to but really not hard at all.

The order of the colors really doesn't matter...just as long as you have three rolls in each "bunch" like pictured above layered and in different directions.

I also used wired ribbon for this wreath, but that is optional. I just take once piece of 12" wired ribbon and lay on top of my "bunch."

Now you are going to take a chenille stem and place it behind the group of spirals.

You want to twist the ends up and around the the back of the bunch and bring the two ends of the chenille stems together and twist tightly a few times to secure the bunch together.

Continue to do this with all of your cut pieces. 3 spirals to each bunch and ribbon if you want. Like I mentioned, for this size wreath I am going to make a total of 15 bunches.

Now that I have all 15 made it is time to start adding them to the wreath form. I always like to start on outer two rings. Add all the bunches around the perimeter then work on the center. This way, I can fill in any gaps or spaces that I may have left.

With you wreath frame facing down, take the first bunch of spirals and pull the two ends of the chenille stems through the second ring from the outside of the form. Put one above the ring and one below the ring.

This is where you will see how great the first steps works. It keeps the bunch in place while you twist the chenille stems together to attach them to the form. Once it is attached I just trim the chenille stems a bit and tuck into the form so they aren't just sticking out.

Continue working around the wreath form adding your bunches. Since I made a total of 15 bunches, I am going to evenly space 10 around the outside and then put the remaining 5 on the inside.

This is what the front will look like with two attached

It doesn't look all the great to start but the more you add you will see it start to fill in all the gaps.

Complete the outside ring and the do the same process for the inside ring. It is a little harder to get to but just move the mesh around to get them in there. Like I said before, the mesh is very forgiving.

This is the outside with all bunches added.

As you add each bunch just remember to keep looking at it from the front to make sure your gaps are filled in completely.

So that is the basic process of making a Spiral Deco Mesh Wreath.

By all means you can do more bunches or fewer bunches depending on your personal preference on how full you want the wreath to look.

The same process works no matter what size wreath form you use. You would just need more bunches for larger wreath forms.

You can also use as many or as few colors as you would like for this type of wreath as long as you have them in bunches of 3.

And here is the completed wreath that I just made.

Here are a few other Spiral Deco Mesh Wreaths I have previously made.

Mardi Gras Spiral Deco Mesh Wreath

Winter Purple and Silver Spiral Deco Mesh Wreath

Christmas Red and Green Spiral Deco Mesh Wreath

St. Patrick's Day Spiral Deco Mesh Wreath

Hopefully that wasn't too confusing. Feel free to ask me questions if there is something that wasn't quite clear enough.

Go out and start making your own Spiral Deco Mesh Wreaths!

Also feel free to share your photos of completed wreaths you have made.

BradApril 13, 2016I received a photo and an enormous and beautiful wreath that was created by someone that found this little tutorial. Thanks for sharing Genevieve!!!

Another user submitted photo of her completed spiral wreath.Thanks Heather Z.Feel free to send me your photos and I will post them here. If I start receiving more I will create a separate page.Email pics to neworleanscraftsbydesign@gmail.com

Absolutely my pleasure. I was the same was a few years ago and just decided to start playing with it until I made something that I actually liked. I hope that it was easy enough to understand. I can get a little wordy at times when trying to explain something.

I am confuse which don't take much you are putting the on the top to rings noe in the middle right .you got four rings you use the first two rings and then do the outside then add in the midlle if need right you said but I got confuse when I seen you wrap your ring with the pipe cleaners then add the curlys thank you so much they are great

The reason I put the pipe cleaners around the top two rings and then around the bottom two rings is to make sure that each ring (all 4) has a place for me to attach the sets of spirals. That way once I have it complete and can go back and fill in any slightly less full areas of the wreath. I think that is what you are asking. If not let me know and will try to explain better.

Amber...I cut the length of each piece the same as the width of the roll I am using which is the 10". It can be a little longer if you want a thicker spiral. Just make sure that they are all cut the same. I wouldn't go smaller because then they don't quite fill out as much.

For the other style of mesh ruffle wreath I still use the 10" mesh but I cut it a little longer like 15" or so. I pinch them from end to end....length not width. Form like a loose accordion fold then I place them individually on the form. I go around and just keep filling in until it's pretty. Hope that helps. If not let me know I can try a take a few pics.

Dawn..thank you very much. I really appreciate and hope that this helps at least a little. I cut my 10" long as well only because it is easy for me to remember if I hadn't made one in a while. It's totally up to you but I wouldn't go shorter. Longer will be a thicker spiral. So just depends on the look you are wanting. Hope that answers your question.

Fabulous tutorial. Wish I had seen it earlier. However, I'm confused over this: "With you wreath frame facing down, take the first bunch of spirals and pull the two ends of the chenille stems through the second ring from the outside of the form. Put one above the ring and one below the ring." "Through the second ring from the outside" is what confuses me. Is it that by wrapping the chenille around the two rings, are you placing the chenille on the spiral between the rings and then wrapping one around the outside and one around the next inside one?

So you are taking the two chenille stems and just basically twisting them together with the ring in the middle. Basically securing the bunch you are working with to the ring itself. Hope that's better. Let me know if that helps.

Amazing!!! I had never thought of using the chenille stems this way! Always thought I had to buy a pencil wreath every time! thank you so much for this FYI!!! Can't wait to get started! Have a very blessed day!!

Genius technique using the stems on the outer & inner rings in step 1 so the bunches don't slide on ya. That is saving me all kinds of frustration you have no idea!! Thank you so much for sharing that gem of a tip with us fellow crafters!! I have only been using my wire form wreaths for burlap because of this & similar issues. I felt I just couldn't get the mesh to be as secure to the wreath as it needed to be. So I have used only tinsel work form wreaths when using mesh. As you know those are more than double the cost. So you my friend have officially changed my life!! ��Wanted to also let you know that I pin alot of wreaths on Pinterest for color coordinating ideas and when I see mesh or ribbon I just gotta have, so I see alot of wreaths. Your wreaths are on my list of favs! They are some of the prettiest I've seen! This "how to" was explained in depth so it was easy to understand & keep up with. I appreciate all detail in your words! Keep it Cajun my friend! Your neighbor from Mobile, Alabama

Hey Neighbor!! Joy....you have no idea how amazing it makes me feel to know that this information is helping so many people. When I first started making wreaths it was frustrating reading tutorials because they would just give basic information and not enough detail to actually complete a project. Crafters should be sticking together and helping each other out as much as possible....in my opinion.Thank you so much....my weekend is officially awesome now!

Hi! I'm a touch confused. I'm about to embark on my first curly wreath. When you put the spirals on, are you attaching them to the metal frame or the pipe cleaners(I refuse to call them chenille stemes! Lol)?

Hi! I'm a touch confused. I'm about to embark on my first curly wreath. When you put the spirals on, are you attaching them to the metal frame or the pipe cleaners(I refuse to call them chenille stemes! Lol)?

Genevieve,Basically both. The pipe cleaners are wrapped around the metal frame. You will be wrapping the pipe cleaners to be attached around the the frame and securing to it. The pipe cleaners that are already on the frame are to make it a more secure connection so that do not slide back and forth. If you try it without the pipe cleaners on the frame like I have them you will see the difference and how it makes it more difficult to keep things in place.

Hi Brad great tutorial. I was wondering if this is the technique that one would use to make the sunflower wreath I've seen on Pinterest but could only find them for sale and not how to make. Thanks Nicole

Nicole....thanks a bunch and glad you found the other tutorial. I'm not sure if is exactly like the ones you have seen. Just something I came up with when I couldn't figure it out from other so called tutorials. Hope it is what you are looking for!

So, I finished mine. Just looking for a center embellishment of some sort. Its measuring 28"w x 36"w x14" deep. I wish I knew how to attach a picture to this! I think it looks amazing! Thank you again for the easy to follow instructions!!

So, I finished mine. Just looking for a center embellishment of some sort. Its measuring 28"w x 36"w x14" deep. I wish I knew how to attach a picture to this! I think it looks amazing! Thank you again for the easy to follow instructions!!

This is what I have been looking for. I have made several floral wreaths, but this will be my first attempt at mesh and ribbon. I like the cylinder/cone look much better than the Explosion of Pouf!! Thanks for sharing the how to.

No matter how careful you are there will be some fraying. I just make sure that when I am cutting the mesh that I am cutting a straight line across (like following the little squares). This way you only have one row that will possibly fray are come loose versus just cutting across with no rhyme or reason you have lot of little pieces that will fray. I find that it comes out a little cleaner and easier pull any extra strings once your are done with your wreath.I hope that makes sense. Let me know!

Thank you so much for posting this tutorial! I am going to make some of these in varying themes for my mardi gras krewe's silent auction at coronation. Keep your fingers crossed that they bring in a pretty penny! We need the funds to take care of our charities that we support all year!

Thank you so much for posting this tutorial! I am going to make some of these in varying themes for my mardi gras krewe's silent auction at coronation. Keep your fingers crossed that they bring in a pretty penny! We need the funds to take care of our charities that we support all year!

It is my pleasure and I am sure they will be gorgeous and will be a great addition to your event. One thing I know...at least in New Orleans..they go all out for Mardi Gras and anything different and beautiful is a plus. Hope it all goes well.

It is my pleasure and I am sure they will be gorgeous and will be a great addition to your event. One thing I know...at least in New Orleans..they go all out for Mardi Gras and anything different and beautiful is a plus. Hope it all goes well.

I have never really calculated the total yards that I use because it depends on how large of a wreath I am making...the number of colors I am using....and how full it is going to be. Generally speaking my best guess would be (with say 3 colors and the size posted with red/ white/blue) probably a little over half of the roll of mesh. Just guessing. Sorry I can't be more accurate.

Thank you....I still find it crazy that this has helped so many people...but I love it for sure. This post...to date has had over 134000 views. For me that's a big deal. Great idea on the wreaths for you and your roommate. Feel free to email pics hen you are done and I'll post them here. If you want.

This is one of the best tutorials I have found explaining how to make these! I can't wait to get to the craft store tomorrow so that I can get started on making some of these for Christmas gifts! Thank you!

I am so glad that you found it helpful. I've probably said this in previous comments, but when i first started with these I had the same problem. I would find tutorials but they would never give quite enough information or details. That is the main reason I decided to put this out there....who am I to keep these from people trying to learn and make them on their own.

I have been searching for a good tutorial that was not so complicated and I've found it! Thank you so so much. Some other tutorials cost a lot to replicate and I need to keep my costs down. Your wreaths are gorgeous and now I can make my own. Thanks a lot

Hi Brad---2 questions: if u were 2 add decorative items 2 the wreath, what is the best way to attach it? And would an adhesive spray help with fraying?Really great tutorial! Has convinced me to try this- making daughter help though!!��

Depending on what I am attaching to the wreath I almost always try to figure out a way to use either pipe cleaners (chenille stems) or floral wire. I have also used fishing string to "sew" some smaller items to the wreath. Took forever but was well worth it in the end. I try my best to figure out ways to not use glue/hot glue on my mesh wreaths. Personal preference.

I haven't tried spray adhesive to help with the fraying and thought about it but I'm not sure how it would react in various weather conditions. But since you asked I may give it a try this weekend just to see how it works. I'll keep you posted for sure.

Thanks for stopping by and thank you very much. I really do appreciate it!

I tried adding the spirals to a regular deco wreath but it kept raveling. How do u keep the it from raveling? Also do u wrap any kind of wreath with the pipe cleaners? I find they do slide on the wires. I had purchased some fray stuff but it is a pain

I do use the pipe cleaners for pretty much any wreath that I make with a wire wreath form. It is just one extra step for me and gives me piece of mind. It drives me crazy when it slides.The fraying has always been my problem as well. I had read on a blog last year sometime that mentioned the use of hair spray. Cheap aqua net stuff. I tried it and it does work pretty good. It is not a permanent solution. The more you mess with the cut mess the more it frays. So I cut my pieces and spray the cut ends and just let it set to dry for a few minutes. It tends to hold together better at least while I am working on the wreath.

Someone else here also mentioned used a spray adhesive for the fraying. I haven't tried it so I'm not sure how it holds up and if the tackiness completely goes away.

So those are a couple options that you can try. Hope that helps a little.

Brad, I totally enjoyed your instructions, they are very easy to understand. My question is, if you should be using a small wire form for a centerpiece, could you use 6" deco mesh? Wanted to try but wanted to know if you had tried it before. Thanks Jean Cooley-Desmeules.

Thank you very much!! My local Hobby Lobby pretty much always carry the 10". You can also get them online for a good price at createforless.com and they carry all the sizes as well. If you go to the site just do a search for wire wreath forms and they will come up.

So beautiful! I have a question. Can you put 3 pieces of the same color in a bunch instead of 1 piece of 3 colors? Then end up with 5 bunches of each color? I am going for a less patriotic look and more of a sports team look for this particular wreath. I looked at your sports wreaths and they appear to be made with a different method. Thank you soo much. This tutorial is so easy to follow and I will be making some exactly like this later, once I get this sports team wreath made.

Hi, I am new at making deco mesh wreaths and I like your spiral wreaths. I read you tutorial on how to make the spiral wreaths by weaving in and out your chenille stems. I am confused about the stems. When I attach the spiral mesh do I use additional chenille stems or do I use the ones that are weaved in and out. Sorry for the stupid question.

Karol...my apologies for the delay in getting back to you. You will use additional stems to attach the mesh to the wreath form. The stems that you twist around the form itself are to make each attachment more secure and keep them in place without slipping. Definitely not a stupid question.

I have tried a few different things that helps with the fraying but does not completely stop it. Aquanet Hairspray on the cut ends. You can also try a spray adhesive on the ends. It definitely helps while you are making the wreath but I haven't found anything that completely stops the fraying.

Very smart idea putting the chenille stems around the frame. Mine always slip all over the place. When making the spirals, I use clothes pins to hold them together until I can put the three together. It works great. I am to old to sit on the floor, haha, might not get back up. Thanks for your tips.

Is it possible to make a spriral deco mesh wreath with 12 inch wide deco mesh? I have several rolls that are just sitting on my table and don't know what to do with them. Most tutorials tell you to use 10 inch deco mesh. Should I cut 2 inches off the length of my entire roll or could I just leave it the way it is. If I cut it, I'm afraid it might ravel.Thank you.

I am so glad you posted this tutorial! The instructions are simple yet detailed and actually make sense to me! I am getting ready to make my first Deco Mesh wreath (Mardi Gras themed) and was starting to get a little intimidated until I found your tutorial. I am excited to try this and will be thrilled if mine comes out even half as good as yours! Thank you for sharing!